By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Medan Kidd Bus Station, located on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, has been in existence since 1938. At one time, it served as the main public transportation hub in Ipoh, leaving behind numerous nostalgic memories.
Many may not be aware that Jalan Tun Abdul Razak was previously known as Kidd Road Station, replacing its original name, Hill Street. Kidd Road Station was named after a British officer, Major George Montgomery Kidd.
The bus terminal was named after Major George Montgomery Kidd to avoid confusion with another bus terminal on Jalan Tanjung Rambutan in Ipoh at that time.
It was at this bus terminal that the first bus companies, Red Buses and Green Buses, also known as Bas General, began operating in 1938.
In 1960, when the Medan Kidd bus terminal upgrade project was completed, new companies such as Ipoh Omnibus Co, Kinta Omnibus Co, General Omnibus, and Reliance Co emerged.
However, today, all those companies no longer exist and have been taken over by Perak Transit and Rapid.
Initially, Medan Kidd Bus Station was constructed using wooden boards and planks. However, in 1960, it was upgraded with a stone construction, similar to its current appearance.
According to a source, near the Medan Kidd bus station, there used to be an underground pedestrian tunnel in the 1980s across the highway.
Unfortunately, the tunnel was demolished when the Medan Kidd bridge was upgraded. Until today, the pathway still exists but is no longer usable.
Currently, Medan Kidd Bus Station remains unchanged, deteriorating even further without any efforts for renovation.
Most noticeably, the large wall clock located on the front wall of the building no longer functions. Similarly, the bus company counters, which are non-operational, are left abandoned, marring the visual appeal.
The cleanliness of the surrounding area is also quite dismal. Many rows of food stalls located near the main bus station are closed and overrun by creeping plants.
“After all the bus companies moved to Terminal Amanjaya, my business was affected as the number of customers decreased.
“Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s difficult to make even RM10.00 in daily sales.
“Perhaps one of the factors contributing to its marginalization is that the building is too old and lacks comfort for the public,” he told Ipoh Echo.
Nevertheless, the responsible authorities should be sensitive and take the initiative to preserve this historical asset before it is seen as a blemish on the developing beauty of Ipoh City.
